Answer :
Answer: The bond between boron and hydrogen in boron trihydride is covalent bond.
Explanation:
The type of bonding between the atoms forming a compound is determined by using the electronegativity difference between the atoms. According to the pauling's electronegativity rule:
- If [tex]\Delta \chi=0[/tex], then the bond is non-polar.
- If [tex]\Delta \chi\leq 1.7[/tex], then the bond will be covalent.
- If [tex]\Delta \chi>1.7[/tex], then the bond will be ionic.
We are given:
Electronegativity for boron = 2.0
Electronegativity for hydrogen = 2.1
[tex]\Delta \chi=\chi_{H}-\chi_{B}\\\\\Delta \chi=2.1-2.0=0.1[/tex]
As, [tex]\Delta \chi[/tex] is less than 1.7 and not equal to 0. Hence, the bond between boron and hydrogen is covalent bond.